Darwin can still be an NBL venue, says Minister

The Northern Territory Sports Minister says plans for the Darwin Waterfront Convention Centre still include the possibility of hosting a National Basketball League team.

The owner of the Perth Wildcats, Andrew Vlahov, has expressed concern that the building will not meet the NBL's venue requirements.

He is considering starting a team in Darwin but said the convention centre would need to seat 4,000 spectators.

But Minister Delia Lawrie said that could be achieved with removable seating.

"If Andrew Vlahov can get a deal together and can negotiate with the National Basketball League then all power to him," Ms Lawrie said.

"Certainly the Territory Government won't be standing in the way and I've made sure as Minister for Sport that the Waterfront is a venue that could be used."

Ms Lawrie said while there was room for removable seating, there were also other challenges to overcome.

"The exhibition centre could be an ongoing venue for a Darwin NBL team but obviously the whole issue around a Darwin NBL team is much bigger than a potential venue -it goes to things such as corporate sponsorship and the like."

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